Kidney Transplant Patient Returns Home

A decade ago, Derek Kee, would never have imagined being the recipient of a kidney transplant. But then, at the age of 21, he was diagnosed with HIV. And life would never be the same. "It forced me to become really grown up really quickly." The surprise diagnosis forced Derek to take stock and make changes. He viewed it as a wake up call, not a death sentence. His positive, proactive outlook helped the sales associate maintain relatively good health and asymptomatic of HIV/AIDS.

Derek Kee: Kidney transplant patient

Until three years ago, when Derek's survival would depend on dialysis to compensate for kidney failure, which can commonly be caused by hypertension, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

"I had no idea I had hypertension until I had renal failure," recalls Derek.

The New Jersey turned Florida resident underwent dialysis at home, four times a day, an experience he describes as both "torture" and "a nightmare." Somehow, the self-described over-achiever managed to maintain a very rigorous schedule that always included a job, school, errands, church and volunteer work.

Until recently, HIV-positive patients were ineligible for a solid organ transplant. Because they already suffered from a weakened immune system, theoretically they were not good candidates for a successful solid organ transplant.

With the advent of more effective drugs to treat the virus that causes AIDS, however, Derek became one of a growing number of HIV patients living longer and better lives. Fewer were dying from HIV/AIDS, but more were developing other ailments, such as kidney failure. Ten percent of HIV-infected patients in Baltimore, for example, have renal failure. The cause is unknown.

A new clinical trial studies the safety and effectiveness of kidney transplant in HIV-infected individuals and Derek is the first patient to undergo the life-saving procedure at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, with which the Institute of Human Virology is affiliated.

His surgery was performed Friday, May 2 and he was discharged from UMMC four days later on Tuesday, May 6. Aside from a little soreness, "make that a lot of soreness," he left the hospital in good spirits and relished the pioneering role he may play in making this procedure available to a greater number of patients.

"I feel great. And that's an understatement," he says. "I feel like I felt three years ago."

And, if considering a transplant, recognize there will be many frustrations ahead.
The process is time-consuming, tedious and emotional. There will be delays as well as stress. And it will be up to each patient, he says, to take the responsibility of becoming their own best advocate. Taking notes, making follow-up calls, asking questions and sometimes demanding answers.

There were days he wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring - or if there would be a next year. But that was yesterday. Today, he's looking forward to a Fleetwood Mac reunion concert and a trip abroad with friends and family.

"I can make plans," he says. "We're kind of back on balance. Now when people ask, I can say, I'm fine. How are you?"

The Donor

Derek Kee's life-saving kidney transplant was made possible through the generosity of a former partner/forever friend. "It's someone I love, someone I care for and I was able to do it. It was that simple. In my eyes, the question was not "Why should you?" but "Why not?" James Davis had watched Kee go through years of dialysis and, for him, there was never a question - or moment of hesitation -- as to whether he'd become a donor. "It was heart-wrenching," he recalls. "Seeing someone you love in pain and not being able to do anything. Being totally paralyzed, your hands tied. Then, you have that window of opportunity and you jump for it.

"For anyone who's considering it, I'd say, "Go for it." It's an honor to be able to do it." - James Davis

"It's someone I care about who I'm able to help out. Being a donor, it's a gift."

Chronic Renal Failure

A condition that affects more than 200,000 persons in the U.S. each year and is more prevalent in African American men, who suffer disproportionately from diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDS - all risk factors for renal failure.

Kee's early symptoms were like those of a cold and for too long were treated with over-the-counter medications. He urges others to address health concerns early and proactively and points out that renal failure could have been prevented with earlier detection and more attention to blood pressure readings.

Related Information on IHV.org

• Kidney Transplant Clinical Trial
  This research study is being conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of kidney transplants in persons living with HIV infection. more>
  
  
• Kidney Transplants Available To HIV-Positive Patients
  (News Release, September 3, 2002)